BOX SCORE
POMONA, Calif. — Early on Friday, it looked the like Cal State Monterey Bay men's soccer team would find the pot of gold and its first win of the 2012 season at Kellogg Field. But even a penalty kick save by freshman Evan Drake couldn't turn the tide as Cal Poly Pomona scored late in each half to earn a 2–1 win.

“It was frustrating in that we were flat in the first half and put ourselves in a corner,” said CSUMB Head Coach Rob Cummings. “In the second half we played a lot better.”

Drake came up with his heroics early, diving low to his left to deny Dave Carillo's effort from the spot in the 16th minute. But Juso Ahmetspahic spoiled the redshirt freshman's first collegiate appearance by tapping in a long Matt Boudreau throw in the 32nd minute, allowing the Broncos to take a 1–0 lead into intermission.

The Otters began to mount a more serious threat in the second half, but the breakthrough wouldn't come immediately. Sophomore midfielder Aaron Kochman finally found the key to unlocking the Pomona defense when sent a left to right cross into the box that Bronco goalkeeper Kris Minton couldn't corral. Junior striker Servando Perez left no doubt as to the disposition of the rebound, finishing strong from seven yards out for his second goal of the season.

The tie was short–lived, however, as another throw–in proved CSUMB's undoing. This time, Christopher Rosales tipped a Jesus Mitre throw to Abraham Gomez, who finished from five yards for what proved to be the match–winner.

Statistically, the match was a virtual draw, with shots even at 15 apiece and the Otters holding a slim 4–3 edge in corners. Individually, Max Brixey led all players with five shots while Drake made five saves.

After playing six of their first seven matches on the road—including the last five in a row—the Otters finally return to the friendly confines of the Otter Sports Complex to host Cal State East Bay Sunday at 11:30 a.m. It's a homecoming that can't come soon enough for Cummings.

“It will be nice to get home. We need it.”